Apr
2019

Lemony Pesto Roasted Broccoli

categories: Side Dishes, Vegetarian

Basil pesto and freshly squeezed lemon juice give this often bland vegetable a delicious boost of flavor. Broccoli may never be boring again! JUMP TO RECIPE

Lemony Pesto Roasted Broccoli - Basil pesto and freshly squeezed lemon juice give this bland vegetable a delicious boost of flavor. Broccoli may never be boring again! | QueenofMyKitchen.com | #vegetable #vegetables #sidedish #sides #pesto #veggies #broccoli #roastedbroccoli

Broccoli used to be one of my least favorite vegetables until I started roasting it. Prior to that I had always steamed it, but once I learned how high oven heat can transform this ho-hum vegetable I never looked back. I went from feeling indifferent about broccoli to actually liking it and making it fairly frequently. Recently I discovered another way to cook this cruciferous vegetable that elevates the taste even further and now I can say, without hesitation, that I LOVE broccoli! If you want to see how the right cooking technique and two simple ingredients can turn a bland and boring vegetable into a stellar side dish, look no further than Lemony Pesto Roasted Broccoli! (more…)


Mar
2019

Maple Glazed Scottish Oatcakes

categories: Desserts, Snacks

A remake of traditional Scottish oatcakes.  These not-too-sweet-cookies have a rustic whole grain texture and rich maple flavor.  JUMP TO RECIPE

Maple Glazed Scottish Oatcakes - This remake of traditional Scottish oatcakes results in a not-too-sweet-cookie with rustic whole grain texture and rich maple flavor. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. | QueenofMyKitchen.com | #oatcakes #oatmeal #maplesyrup #Scottish #Scottishoatcake #scottishoatcakes #wholegraincookie #wholegraincookies

Maple Glazed Scottish Oatcakes are a perfect example of my penchant for taking classic recipes and putting my own spin on them. Oatcakes are not traditionally thought of as a sweet treat. In fact, in Scotland, where oatcakes have been a dietary staple since the 14th century, they’re eaten as an alternative to bread, often replacing toast for breakfast. But classic Scottish oatcakes look like cookies and I thought their wholesome ingredients would pair well with maple syrup to create oatcakes that could be enjoyed more as a dessert or snack. Rather than simply adding maple syrup to the oatcake batter, I decided instead to top each oatcake with a thin layer of maple glaze and then throw a pecan halve on top. These not-too-sweet cookies have a rustic whole grain texture and rich maple flavor. They’re definitely not your average oatcakes! (more…)


Mar
2019

Dark Chocolate Lentil Brownies

categories: Desserts, Gluten Free, Healthy, Snacks

Rich chocolate flavor in a healthy brownie made with lentils. Lower in sugar and higher in protein and fiber than regular brownies.  JUMP TO RECIPE

Dark Chocolate Lentil Brownies - Rich chocolate flavor in a healthy brownie made with lentils. Lower in sugar and higher in protein and fiber than regular brownies. Gluten-free. | QueenofMyKitchen.com | #brownies #brownie #healthydessert #healthydesserts #glutenfree #healthytreat #darkchocolate

If I hadn’t already known that one could make delicious tasting brownies with foods like black beans, sweet potatoes, and avocados, I might have been skeptical when I first heard about lentil brownies. After all, lentils are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Who would ever think you could use them to make rich and decadent desserts?  But now that I’ve been a food blogger for a few years, I’m quite familiar with how healthy foods can be disguised in baked goods and the magic that happens when, in combination with other nutritious ingredients, they’re transformed into delicious treats – ones far better for us than their classic counterparts. If you don’t believe me, try this little experiment. Whip up a batch of Dark Chocolate Lentil Brownies and serve them to your friends, family, or guests, without disclosing that they’re made with lentils. Once you’ve watched everyone gobble them up, ask if anyone can guess what the secret ingredient is. Get ready to see some very surprised looking faces when you tell them the answer! (more…)


Mar
2019

Gluten-Free Orange Almond Cake

categories: Desserts, Gluten Free, Snacks

A single layer cake you can throw together lightening quick.  Versatile enough to be served as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast!   JUMP TO RECIPE

Gluten-Free Orange Almond Cake - A single layer cake you can make lightening quick. | QueenofMyKitchen.com | Versatile enough to be served as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast! #cake #glutenfree #glutenfreebaking #healthybaking #almondflour

Most of us wait for special occasions to make a cake simply because cakes made from scratch are a little labor intensive, but I’m a big fan of simple, every day cakes – single layer cakes you can make at a moment’s notice that don’t require frosting or glaze and are versatile enough to be served as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast – cakes like this Gluten-Free Orange Almond Cake! It can be thrown together lightening quick with ingredients you may already have on hand and takes only about 20 minutes to bake. Now that’s my kind of cake! (more…)


Mar
2019

Za’atar Cashew Hummus

categories: Appetizers, Gluten Free, Healthy, Snacks, Vegan

Aromatic za’atar and smoky roasted red peppers flavor this ultra-creamy cashew hummus.  A delicious alternative to chickpea-based hummus.  JUMP TO RECIPE

Za’atar Cashew Hummus - Aromatic za'atar and smoky roasted red peppers flavor this ultra-creamy cashew hummus. A delicious alternative to chickpea-based hummus. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. #vegan #glutenfree #dairyfree #zaatar #appetizer

I feel the same way about hummus that I do about pizza and chicken salad. That is, one can never have too many recipes for these dishes because no matter what variation you make, the end result is almost always delicious with near universal appeal. I guess that’s why there are countless recipes for hummus floating around the internet and no matter how many new ones appear in the blogosphere, people seem to love them. So here’s another, but this one’s a little different. Za’atar Cashew Hummus is every bit as delicious as traditional hummus but it’s made with raw cashews and roasted red peppers instead of chickpeas, and it’s flavored with za’atar – an aromatic Middle Eastern spice with amazing savory flavor. (more…)


Feb
2019

Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries with Za’atar Mayonnaise

categories: Gluten Free, Healthy, Side Dishes

Carrots are cut into the shape of fries and roasted with garlic and Parmesan cheese then served with a delicious middle eastern spiced mayonnaise.   JUMP TO RECIPE

Do you eat enough vegetables? Even if you’re a relatively healthy eater the answer might be “no”.  In 2010 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that only 27% of adults were eating the recommended daily amount of vegetables. The problem is, vegetables can get a little boring.  Raw veggies are great but many of us fall back on plain steamed or roasted vegetables at dinnertime – not very exciting. I readily admit there’ve been plenty of nights I’ve skipped making a vegetable because I was too tired and even a simple roasted or sautéed veggie just didn’t seem worth the effort. One thing that might help all of us get the nutrients we need from vegetables every day is to prepare them in interesting and delicious ways as often as possible, like, for example, making fries out of carrots and serving them with a middle eastern spiced dipping sauce as I’ve done here with this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries with Za’atar Mayonnaise. These fries will turn even the most die-hard carrot haters into fans. Believe me, nobody will be skipping their daily veggies when these are on the menu! (more…)


Feb
2019

Dairy Free Crispy Chocolate Cups

categories: Desserts, Gluten Free, Healthy, Snacks, Vegan

“Candy is dandy” as in these easy to make dairy free chocolate treats sweetened with maple syrup.  JUMP TO RECIPE

Dairy Free Crispy Chocolate Cups - Candy is dandy as in these easy to make dairy-free chocolate treats sweetened with maple syrup. | QueenofMyKitchen.com | #candy #chocolate #dairyfree #dairyfreechocolate #valentinesday #norefinedsugar #cleaneating #healthycandy

Valentine’s Day is coming up and if you love classic holiday traditions then maybe you’re planning to give your loved ones some chocolates. If so, why not earn extra bonus points and “make” instead of “buy” them. These Dairy Free Crispy Chocolate Cups are a great homemade Valentine’s gift and you can whip them up quickly without any special equipment. All you need is a handful of simple ingredients and some cupcake liners. (more…)


Jan
2019

Chocolate Chunk Chickpea Tahini Cookie Tarts

categories: Desserts, Gluten Free, Snacks

A clean-eating twist on classic chocolate chip cookies made with gluten-free chickpea flour.    JUMP TO RECIPE

Chocolate Chunk Chickpea Tahini Cookie Tarts - A clean-eating twist on classic chocolate chip cookies made with gluten-free chickpea flour. | QueenofMyKitchen.com | #glutenfree #cookie #cookies #glutenfreetreat #glutenfreetreats #tahini #chocolatechipcookie #chocolatechipcookies

According to this article, the most popular cookie recipe of all-time is chocolate chip. No surprise really. Hardly anybody can resist the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a warm from the oven chocolate chip cookie with a glass of cold milk on the side for optional dipping. It’s hard to imagine a more comforting snack, unless of course, it’s a healthier version of this iconic treat! Enter Chocolate Chunk Chickpea Tahini Cookie Tarts – a clean-eating twist on classic chocolate chip cookies made with gluten-free chickpea flour and flavored with dark chocolate and tahini. After just one bite you’ll be shaking your head in disbelief and wondering aloud how you ever lived without these cookies! (more…)


Jan
2019

Blue Cheese Greek Yogurt Avocado Dressing

categories: Appetizers, Gluten Free, Sauces, Dressings, Condiments

Pungent blue cheese and tangy Greek Yogurt flavor this oil-free avocado based dressing that can also be used as a sauce.  JUMP TO RECIPE

Blue Cheese Greek Yogurt Avocado Dressing - Pungent blue cheese and tangy Greek Yogurt flavor this oil-free avocado based dressing that can also be used as a sauce. So rich and creamy! | QueenofMyKitchen.com | #dressing #saladdressing #avocado #oilfreedressing #greekyogurtdressing #glutenfreerecipe #glutenfreerecipes

Blue Cheese Greek Yogurt Avocado Dressing is a rich and creamy oil-free dressing that will turn the most mundane of greens into a stellar salad. If you like blue cheese but are sometimes put off by how strong it is, this dressing is for you! Not only do the Greek Yogurt and avocado lend a luxurious texture to this dressing, but they mellow out the pungency of the blue cheese so the taste is smoother, without the sharp notes that are sometimes characteristic of classic blue cheese dressing. I love serving this dressing on wedges salads, as pictured, but it also makes a fabulous sauce for vegetables, meat, and seafood. (more…)


Jan
2019

​Sushi Rice Crab Cakes with Egg Free Avocado Lemon Aioli

categories: Appetizers, Gluten Free, Seafood

Cooked sushi rice is the binder is these gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, crab cakes made without breadcrumbs. Serve these delicious crab cakes on top of a salad or as a stand-alone appetizer.  JUMP TO RECIPE

Sushi Rice Crab Cakes with Egg-Free Avocado Lemon Aioli - Cooked sushi rice is the binder is these gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, crab cakes made without breadcrumbs. Serve these delicious crab cakes on top of a salad or as a stand-alone appetizer. | QueenofMyKitchen.com | #appetizer #appetizers #crabcake #crabcakes #sushirice #seafood #glutenfree #dairyfree #eggfree #glutenfreeappetizer #gluenfreeappetizers #glutenfreedairyfree #glutenfreedairyfreeeggfree

I went to Baltimore recently for a family event and dined on the most mouth-watering crab cakes. They were so delicious that when I got home I was inspired to develop a crab cake recipe.  I knew mine had to be a little different though, after all, there are a million recipes for crab cakes floating around the internet – no sense adding one more to the mix unless it offers something unique. Since just about every recipe for crab cakes calls for eggs and/or breadcrumbs as a binder, I thought it would be interesting to create a recipe that didn’t use either of these ingredients. After racking my brain for a while, I came up with the idea of using cooked sushi rice as the magic ingredient to bind everything together.  Sushi Rice Crab Cakes with Egg-Free Avocado Lemon Aioli turned out even better than I expected! (more…)